Darlene Marie Knudson, 77, Lincoln, NE, entered into glory with Jesus on Wednesday (11-11-09). She was born on (3-19-32) at home on the prairie near Hurley, SD, to Richard and Esther (Nealson) Jensen. In 1950, Darlene married her childhood sweetheart, Kalmer Knudson. He preceded her in death in August of 2008. She is survived by her four siblings, Richard., Russell and Robert Jensen and Rosalie Brenna. She is also survived by her six children: Shawn (Raun) Lohry, Eileen (Randy) Alby, Kent (Annie) Knudson, Kevin (Lynn) Knudson, Darla (Tim) Klopfenstein, and Kelly (Sabine) Knudson, 23 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
It is easy to underestimate the power of an ordinary life lived for Christ. Richness in the early days of marriage did not necessarily mean earthly treasures, but there was always enough to share at the Knudson home. Darlene routinely baked enough for strangers and travelers, Kal brought home for supper, and her cooking and homemade bread are still spoken of in reverent tones. Despite having a large family, hospitality was a gift they practiced. People were often invited into the Knudson home where Darlene lavished on them good food, clean sheets, love and prayer. This changed many hearts for the Gospel.
Darlene wore many hats over the years. She was a pastor’s wife, elementary school teacher, entrepreneur, daVinci restaurant owner/operator, counselor, and friend. The role she delighted in though was that of mother and grandmother. Darlene was in love with Jesus and spent many hours in prayer and intercession, seeing many miracles happen in her family and friends. Her prayers are not silenced with her death but continue to bear fruit that remain.
Jesus was the center of Darlene’s life. She was bright and tender, had a giving heart and a listening ear. Her counsel saved many from much grief and her prayers for her family and others will be greatly missed. She lived her life for God and her family. The world is a better place because of her life and legacy and we are poorer for her home-going.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Monday (11-16-09) Christ’s Place Church, 1111 Old Cheney Rd. Pastor Rick Lorrimer officiating. Private interment Danish Cemetery, Davey, NE.
Memorials to the Rehoboth Restorative Ministries, Peoples City Mission, or Christ’s Place Church for “Sri Lanka Ministries”.
Visitation: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday with family greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Prayer Service, 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street and one hour prior to service time at the Church.